Evaluating effects of prenatal web-based breastfeeding education for pregnant mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy: Prospective randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND

Education is the cornerstone supporting breastfeeding practices. However, the traditional oral education method cannot always satisfy the learning needs of mothers.

OBJECTIVE

to measure the effectiveness of prenatal web-based breastfeeding education program for Jordanian pregnant mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy on enhancing knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of breastfeeding after giving birth.

METHODS

prospective randomized control trial design was used with sample consisted of 112 pregnant mothers who were recruited from one antenatal clinic in Irbid Governorate. Data collection instruments were the infant feeding knowledge and attitudes (IIFAS) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) were used to measure self efficacy, knowledge and attitudes regarding breastfeeding.

RESULTS

Participants of the experimental group were at moderate level of BSES in pre and post intervention with increasing the number of mothers in the same level post intervention. Participants were at a neutral level of IIFAS in both groups generally, they were neither positive to breastfeeding nor to bottle feeding. There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups on post- intervention scores on BSES and IIFAS.

CONCLUSION

This study is considered the first trial to use new teaching methodologies as internet and website in teaching mothers about breastfeeding. Despite that there were not differences between intervention and control groups, web-based breastfeeding education program may contribute in improving breastfeeding self efficacy.

IMPLICATIONS

Inclusion prenatal web-based breastfeeding education in antenatal clinics at MCHC centers of Ministry of Health. Further research is needed to replicate this study in other Jordanian health settings.